THE BOATMAN

Longways for six; in three parts (1st Ed., 1650).

MUSICMOVEMENTS



Running step throughout the dance.
First Part.
A11–4All lead up a double and fall back a double to places.
5–8Partners set and turn single.
A21–8All that again.
B11–4First couple and second man the straight hey, four changes (the three standing in line, second man in the middle facing first woman and passing her by the right); while the third couple and second woman do the same (the latter facing third man and passing him by the right).
5–8Partners turn, the first and third couples once round, the second couple half-way round. All are now in their opposite places.
B21–4As in B1, except that the second man heys with third couple (facing third woman and passing her by the right) while second woman heys with the first couple) (facing first man and passing him by the right).
5–8Partners turn, as in B1, to places.



Second Part.
A11–4Sides all.
5–8Partners set and turn single.
A21–8All that again.
B11–2First couple and second man hands-three half-way round and stand in line facing down, second man in the middle; while third couple and second woman do likewise and stand in line facing up, second woman in the middle.
3–4Still holding hands, all fall back two steps and move forward two steps.
5–8Second man and second woman meet in the middle of the Set, turn each other once-and-quarter round and fall into the middle station (improper); while first and third men turn their partners once round. All are now in their opposite places.
B21–2As in B1, except that the second man hands-three half-way round with third couple, second woman with first couple.
3–8As in B1, to places.



Third Part.
A11–4Partners arm with the right.
5–8Partners set and turn single.
A21–4Partners arm with the left.
5–8Partners set and turn single.
B11–4First and third men and second woman hands-three round second man to places.
5–8Second man turns his partner.
B21–4First and third women and second man hands-three round second woman to places.
5–8Second man turns his partner.

[Generally we have everyone two-hand turn partner at the end, instead of just the middle couple.

Personally I think the first figure should be a half-hey, putting everyone improper for the two-hand turn partner once rather than Cecil Sharp’s version with the middle couple getting home late and doing just a half-turn to catch up.]

Page transcribed by Hugh Stewart